Toss-up races in House have agriculture tint
Six of the 19 toss-up races for U.S. House seats in the Nov. 5 general elections involve members of the Agriculture Committee, three Republican and three Democratic incumbents. The races in districts from California to New York State could have a large impact on control of the House, now held by the GOP, 220-212.
Farmer confidence falls along with commodity prices
More than half of American farmers say their farming operations are worse off financially now than a year ago, according to a Purdue University poll released on Tuesday, which also found increasing concern about low market prices for crops and livestock. “The weakness in farmer sentiment could indicate that farmers expect this year’s farm income downturn to last for an extended period,” said the Ag Economy Barometer.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Biggest Nebraska cattle feedlot: The owners of Blackshirt Feeders say they will begin shipping cattle to their new $200-million feedlot in southwestern Nebraska within a month, with the eventual goal of 150,000 head in the feedlot, the largest such operation in the state. (Nebraska Examiner)
A month without HPAI: A USDA database tracking highly pathogenic avian influenza said there were no reported outbreaks of bird flu among commercial poultry flocks during August. (USDA)
Post-wildfire erosion worsens: A study by the U.S. Geological Survey says hillside erosion after wildfires in California is 10 times worse than it was in the late 1980s; sediment can deprive fish of oxygen, fill reservoirs, and damage flood control structures. (Los Angeles Times)
Strengthening animal health networks: The USDA awarded $380,000 toward four new cooperative agreements with tribal partners to enhance their animal disease response capabilities against high-risk pests and diseases. (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)
